Recent Blogs

Customer Speak

Ladakh experience – Poornima

“From pre tour schedules& details to entire stay and tour of Ladakh, Himalayan Fantasy team have been very attentive and helpful. We were given information on places we were to visit with photographs of the places, hotels we were housed in, along with all that we need to prepare for … Continue reading

2014-06-27T07:34:02+00:00

“From pre tour schedules& details to entire stay and tour of Ladakh, Himalayan Fantasy team have been very attentive and helpful. We were given information on places we were to visit with photographs of the places, hotels we were housed in, along with all that we need to prepare for … Continue reading

http://himalayan-fantasy.com/testimonial/ladakh-experience-poornima/

By Rajakumar Sharma

The trek was adapted by our tour guide to help suit our group, which mostly consisted of 1st time trekkers. Guides that accompanied us knew the terrain well and took care of all the arrangements like food, accommodation etc., Guides ensured that none of us missed even one scenic spot … Continue reading

2013-10-17T09:19:52+00:00

The trek was adapted by our tour guide to help suit our group, which mostly consisted of 1st time trekkers. Guides that accompanied us knew the terrain well and took care of all the arrangements like food, accommodation etc., Guides ensured that none of us missed even one scenic spot … Continue reading

Sikkim experience – By Vidyamurthy

Our 7 day visit to North Sikkim was memorable and comfortable. Any travel outside home always brings out anxieties especially when you are travelling to hitherto less known places with family and want to make sure all arrangements are done to ensure the travel, stay and food (with special needs) … Continue reading

2014-06-03T08:19:45+00:00

Our 7 day visit to North Sikkim was memorable and comfortable. Any travel outside home always brings out anxieties especially when you are travelling to hitherto less known places with family and want to make sure all arrangements are done to ensure the travel, stay and food (with special needs) … Continue reading

http://himalayan-fantasy.com/testimonial/vidyamurthy-speaks/

By Rajagopal

The overall trek was excellent; this was my first trek for 5 days and it was very enjoyable.The environment was very nice to spend time in the evening at the hotels. Our guide was a cheerful traveling companion who did everything he could to show us the best of the … Continue reading

2013-08-23T12:59:59+00:00

The overall trek was excellent; this was my first trek for 5 days and it was very enjoyable.The environment was very nice to spend time in the evening at the hotels. Our guide was a cheerful traveling companion who did everything he could to show us the best of the … Continue reading

http://himalayan-fantasy.com/testimonial/rajagopal-on-sandakphu-trek/

Ladakh Experience – Prakash CJ

Right from the moment we indicated an interest in the trip to Ladakh, Himalayan Fantasy, Vilas was great to work with. He was very prompt in responses to emails and was more than willing to customize our trip and went out of the way to help organize an extra day … Continue reading

2014-06-24T07:19:58+00:00

Right from the moment we indicated an interest in the trip to Ladakh, Himalayan Fantasy, Vilas was great to work with. He was very prompt in responses to emails and was more than willing to customize our trip and went out of the way to help organize an extra day … Continue reading

Ladakh Experience – Suresh KT and Family

Once again thank you Mr.Vilas Kadival for taking us along for this wonderful experience.We had the time of our life playing around in the snow. Though cold,its worth it!. Ladakh, as it is, it’s a very beautiful place and we are happy to have seen such beauty. Every sight to … Continue reading

2014-06-24T07:18:51+00:00

Once again thank you Mr.Vilas Kadival for taking us along for this wonderful experience.We had the time of our life playing around in the snow. Though cold,its worth it!. Ladakh, as it is, it’s a very beautiful place and we are happy to have seen such beauty. Every sight to … Continue reading

Chandan Bhosle on Sikkim

We had planned to attend a marriage of one of our colleague in Guwahati. Approached Himalayan Fantasy for suggestion on places in North East. Vilas from Himalayan Fantasy not only gave us complete information, but also ensured that the whole tour is completely taken care with every details including stay, … Continue reading

2014-06-27T15:09:02+00:00

We had planned to attend a marriage of one of our colleague in Guwahati. Approached Himalayan Fantasy for suggestion on places in North East. Vilas from Himalayan Fantasy not only gave us complete information, but also ensured that the whole tour is completely taken care with every details including stay, … Continue reading

http://himalayan-fantasy.com/testimonial/chandan-bhosle/

By Bhutan enthusiast

It is my intense pleasure to have been visited this land. The atmosphere here is of great beauty. The Zongs are filled with a strange enlightenment and the nature is filled with the music of friendliness. Calm-minded people, the peaceful atmosphere has made me float in the air. Bhutan is … Continue reading

2014-06-03T08:18:32+00:00

It is my intense pleasure to have been visited this land. The atmosphere here is of great beauty. The Zongs are filled with a strange enlightenment and the nature is filled with the music of friendliness. Calm-minded people, the peaceful atmosphere has made me float in the air. Bhutan is … Continue reading

http://himalayan-fantasy.com/testimonial/bhutan-likes/

By Jayateerth Joshi

The trek to Sandakphu was just awesome, as we went in a huge group, so it added more joy our trek. Although for most of the guys including me, The Himalayan trek was first time but it was a thrilling experience as we cannot forget it. I must say about the the arrangement made by Vilas … Continue reading

2013-08-29T08:42:23+00:00

The trek to Sandakphu was just awesome, as we went in a huge group, so it added more joy our trek. Although for most of the guys including me, The Himalayan trek was first time but it was a thrilling experience as we cannot forget it. I must say about the the arrangement made by Vilas … Continue reading

http://himalayan-fantasy.com/testimonial/jayateerth-on-sandakpu-trek/

By Neha Suresh

The 7 days experience with the group led by Mr. Vilas Kadival was amazing. Our guide, Mr. Ramesh did a great work by taking us all over Bhutan. It was a thrilling experience with the beautiful Dzongs and the calm atmosphere everywhere. Hospitality was brilliant and the food was good … Continue reading

2014-06-03T08:17:41+00:00

The 7 days experience with the group led by Mr. Vilas Kadival was amazing. Our guide, Mr. Ramesh did a great work by taking us all over Bhutan. It was a thrilling experience with the beautiful Dzongs and the calm atmosphere everywhere. Hospitality was brilliant and the food was good … Continue reading

Markha Valley Trek

Markha Valley trek is becoming very popular as one can not only enjoy high mountain passes and arid Tibetan plateau, but also experience Ladakhi culture at villages enroute.

Gallery

Markha route map

Spituk Bridge

Prayer flags on way to Markha

Wonderful landscapes

From Spituk bridge

On way to Zingchen

Rumbak valley

Desert type at Zingchen

Zingchen

Summary

A fantastic trekking route which offers trekking in Tibetan plateau which is arid in climate, passing through 3 of the passes. We start from Leh via Spituk bridge and reach Zingchen. There upon we start our ascent following the Markha River and cover villages, passes and monastery crossing highest point at Kongmaru La and in end reach Hemis near Leh.

Day 01 : Leh/Spituk/Zingchen 5 hours After the breakfast drive to Spituk Bridge behind the Spituk monastery, around 7 kms from Leh town. From Spituk bridge starts the trekking along Indus River walking through flat and desolate plane at the foot of the Stok Mountain. Gradually, you will leave the view of busy Leh-Srinagar highway and move towards wilderness of Himalaya. Soon you arrive at Zingchen through a gorge, which gives you a feeling of complete isolation. Stay overnight in Camp at Zingchen.

Day 02 : Zingchen to Yurutse 4 to 5 hours Leave Zingchen for Rumbak through a straight forward road; leaving village, you enter Hemis national park for the preservation of Snow leopard, Baharal, marmot, wolf etc. Walk through a narrow trail and valley widens as you arrive Rumbak and camp at Yurutse below Gandala Pass. Overnight in Camp.

Day 03 :Yurutse to Skyu 6 to 7 hours From Yurutse follow the path along the mountain side, then cross a small valley and follow zig zag steep path. There after cross Gandala pass (4380m). Then walk the long descent towards Shingo for 2 hrs that will lead to the valley of Markha and after few hundred meters you reach Skyu. Overnight halt in tents.

Day 04 : Skyu to Markha 7 to 8 hours From Skyu, follow a good path on the right bank of Markha where one can find great vegetation. Then cross the right bank of river then the barren plain and arrive at Chaluk. Thereafter, walk along the left bank of river and after another crossing climb towards Markha village. Towards the end of the village there are good camp site near the river. Overnight stay in tents.

Day 05 : Markha to Thachungtse 5 to 6 hours Right after breakfast you start trekking in the morning to reach Tchatchutse via Hankar village. Overnight in tents.

Day 06 : Thachungtse to Nimaling 4 to 5 hours After breakfast start trekking to reach Nimaling. Nimaling (4900 M) has a sweeping pasture where thousands of sheep, goats and yaks graze during the summer months. Rising to the south is 6400 M high Kang Yatse (Nimaling Peak), a lovely mountain, but not an easy one to climb. Overnight in tents.

Day 07 : Nimaling to Shang Sumdo 6 to 7 hours After breakfast start trekking to reach Kongmaru La (5100 M). The trek to Kongmaru la passes through narrow gorges. From the top of the pass, you can have a view of Ladakh ranges and the sight of villages to the north of Indus valley is excellent. Cross the pass and proceed to Shang. Overnight in tents.

Day 08 : Shang Sumdo to Hemis to Leh 6 hours Walk along the stream down to Hemis monastery, which is one of the oldest and richest monasteries in Ladakh. Visit Hemis monastery and drive to Leh, enroute visit Thiksey Monastery, Shey Palace and Stok Palace cum museum.

Day 9: Back to Destination

Price

Trek Cost INR 25,565 per person

What is included in Cost?

Two men, Kitchen and dinning tents.

Kitchen equipments.

Food veg and non-veg.

Cook, guide and helpers.

Horses for Luggages.

Wild life fees and camping charges.

Monument Entrances in Ladakh.

What is not included in above cost?

Sleeping Bags, trekking shoes and clothing.

Tips for trekking staff and Jeep drivers.

Any expenses of personal nature.

Any thing not specifically mentioned under the head “Prices Included”.

Tips, Insurance, Laundry, Phone Calls.

Any Kind of Drinks (Alcoholic, Mineral, Aerated)

Cost incidental to any change in the itinerary/ stay on account of flight cancellation due to bad weather, ill health, roadblocks and/or any factors beyond control.

T&C

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Himalayan Fantasy always strives for cost effectiveness and better coordination by having a maximum team size of 9-10 participants. Thus initial fees collected assume a group size of 9-10 people. However, in case the group size is smaller than expected, Himalayan Fantasy representative would inform participants a month in advance of the departure date, the group size of the program. The participants would be requested to pay “the difference amount as applicable” reflecting the current size of group.

Booking must be confirmed 30 days prior to date of departure by paying the full amount – It takes lot of effort, time and money in planning the trek in remote locations. You would appreciate that this time is required for us to arrange for logistics in these remote regions.

All expenses accruing from change in schedule due to weather conditions or health issues are to be borne by the participants. Himalayan Fantasy would not be responsible for the weather changes or your personal health issues.

Cancellation policy – While we strive to plan everything for you well in advance, enabling your trip to be hassle-free and fun filled. Implication is that porter fees, permits, accommodation expenses need to be paid in advance. Any cancellation would be inconvenient and loss to all those who were involved in making your journey memorable. Considering the cascading effect you would appreciate that it is fair that the cost has to be borne by you. However, our policy on cancellation would be as under:

Cancellation prior to 30 days from date of departure : Full Refund

Cancellation between 30 days to 20 days prior to date of departure: 50% Refund

Cancellation between 20 days prior to date of departure and departure date: No Refund

No Show : No Refund

FAQ

What is trekking? A trek is a mountain walk from place to place, rather than just rambling or day walking from a fixed base. A trek is not necessarily more arduous or uncomfortable than centre-based sojourns; we believe they are more interesting and rewarding. Trekking appeals to different people for different reasons. Most are drawn to the healthy exercise and magnificent mountain scenery, both of which are fully guaranteed. Because of the type of treks we operate, Himalayan Fantasy particularly appeals to those who are seeking unspoiled areas and an opportunity to experience the indigenous culture, history and traditions of a region. For some- certainly not everyone the lure of trekking is the desire to take on a strenuous, testing high-altitude route. Trekking is a way of life in the mountains-one needs to walk to live.

How long is the trek and how far each day walking? Generally the trek duration depends on your interest and location of trek. Your trek can last anywhere from 2-3 days to an entire month or longer if you wish. We can accommodate day hikes, cultural visits to local villages, and relaxing rest days on your trek. The decision is up to you. It is difficult to reply you when you ask how far each day walking but it is best answered in terms of time rather than distance, as mileage is dictated by altitude and terrain. Walking time, including rests, ranges from four to eight hours but there is no hard and fast rule.

How difficult are the treks? The difficulty of our treks depends on where you want to trek and how long you want to go. The shorter Treks tend to be easier while the longer ones require some physical fitness. Be prepared for some steep trails leading to amazing views. The pace at which you hike is up to you. We have friendly and dependable porters to assist you with your personal gear.

Where do we stay on trek? Where acceptable Trekkers Huts facilities exist, we normally use them. Tea houses are a way of life for almost all trekkers. They are the combination of guest house, restaurant, and social hang out. We encourage all trekkers along the Dzongri, Goechala, Jholomolari, Everest, Langtang, and Annapurna treks to try our routine treks and tea house treks. Our many years of experience along these routes have helped us find the friendliest, cleanest, and most enjoyable camps/huts and tea houses with the best views.. Many have hot water available for bathing. But we discourage our groups from using water heated by wood fires due to lack of firewood in most villages and Himalayas. Deforestation is a big environmental concern in OUR HIMALAYAS. These are also great way help support local villages. In remote terrain, we camp in tents. Even if you’ve never camped before, you don’t need to worry: the tents we provide are roomy, the sleeping pads/mattresses are comfortable. On all of our treks there is a bathroom tent and a dining tent with tables and camp stools, providing a cozy, comfortable atmosphere to eat and chat with fellow trekkers during the evening.

Where and what type of food is served? If you are on a tea house trek you will eat breakfast and dinner at your tea house. We will stop for lunch at one of the various trail side for mid lunch prepared by our cooks. If you are on a camping trek we will prepare all meals and snacks. Almost every tea house serves the traditional meal, Dal Bhat (rice and curried lentils).. Some have versions of western food such as pizza and French fries too. The choice is yours.

How safe is the food? Food safety is always a big concern when visiting a foreign country. This is why we do our best to choose tea houses and restaurants with clean and sanitary kitchens . On our lodge treks, we provide a cook to prepare safe and tasty meals with our own set of cookery as well as hygienic cleaning facilities. The food we serve on camping trips is completely safe. Our cooks have undergone high altitude diet preparations trainings to minimise the usage of excess fuel and combined cooking.

Where do we get water during the trip? All tea houses have boiled water for trekkers. Your guide will provide you with all the water you need during your trek. We discourage the purchase of bottled water while on the trail. The plastic bottles are difficult to dispose off and have become an environmental problem. In a camping trek, we boil water in the morning and you will have enough boiled water in your bottle (Highly practiced in Sikkim).

Is the water safe to drink? Your guide will be in charge of all your water needs. He will make sure all water is boiled and treated with iodine. Iodine is 100% effective in killing the bacteria in water. We recommend you get your own water cleaning tablets if you feel so about it.

2.Trekking shoes –A good trekking shoes with rubber sole or PVC sole required. Please don’t wear leather or sports shoes like Nike, Rebok, Adidas etc., These shoes will not support in snow. Ladies with smaller feet size find it a problem to get a shoe. Quechua Forclaz 500 has special trekking shoes for women.

3. Sleeping bags. They are required to be brought by you due to hygiene reasons.

2.Trekking shoes –A good trekking shoes with rubber sole or PVC sole required. Please don’t wear leather or sports shoes like Nike, Rebok, Adidas etc., These shoes will not support in snow. Ladies with smaller feet size find it a problem to get a shoe. Quechua Forclaz 500 has special trekking shoes for women.

3. Sleeping bags. They are required to be brought by you due to hygiene reasons.

Trousers & Other dresses

a. 3 pair of track pants (at least one should be synthetic (quick-dry) kind). Or 3 pair of cotton pants with lots of pockets. Track pants are light and would be better. Also bring thermals where you can wear the pants on top of thermals. No Jeans pants or any other type of pants.

b. 3-4 cotton tees with collar. No bright colours like reds and fluorescents. Stick with lighter tones. There are plenty of birds to be seen on the trek and you don’t want to scare them with your sense of dress. Avoid loose fitting clothes. They restrict your movement. Plus you are going to lose weight while on the trek. Full sleeve light sweater. A light fleece jacket would be ideal.

A full sleeve feather jacket or something similar.

c. 2-3 pairs of cotton inners (optional)

d. 1 pair of thermal inners. Best to tolerate temperature when we pitch tents on snow.

People who wear spectacles, choose one of these: a. Use contact lenses. b. Photochromatic glasses c. If either of the above is not possible, wear your spectacles and carry a big sunglass that can be worn over your spectacles.

r. Some trekkers feel loss of energy more than others. While there is adequate food provided on the trek, carry lots of dry fruit combinations as snacks. s. Small repair kit consisting of safety pins, thread and needle and a string is good idea to carry. t. Camera, spare films/memory-cards, batteries etc. u. While packing, use plastic bags to compartmentalize things and carry few extra plastic bags. v. Slippers/sports sandals (for walking around campsite). x. Sun cap and/or head-scarf.

MISCELLANEOUS BUT IMPORTANT TO NOTE;

A. Leave your denims behind – these are ill suited for treks and add weight. B. Snacks, colas, alcohol and personal food – No need to overburden yourself with food. C. Do not carry any disposable plastic bottles like (Bisleri, Aquafina), plastic wrapped/packaged items. Do not bring any non bio degradable material. D. After packing, weigh your gear. It should be in the range of 8-9 kg – preferably on the lighter side. Anything heavier, you will need to iterate and remove what is not essential. E. carry light and what is essential. As an example, toothpaste should be bought in small size (that can last you 10 days). Do not plan for “if” situations. The list of things mentioned here are exactly what you need and nothing more. F. Dressing in layers is the mantra. So two T-shirts worn one over the other is warmer than a T shirt that is thick. This is just a guideline. Mileage vary based on your physical condition, threshold to cold etc.

Along with the above list, please ensure you also carry the following documents

What happens if there is an emergency? Himalayan Fantasy prides itself on being prepared for any emergency situation. Our guides are trained in first aid and can deal with most of the basic ailments that occur during a trek. But if a serious emergency occurs, then outside help is needed. Every client should have their own insurance before coming to Himalayas in-case an emergency occurs.

Is there a doctor on the trek? We can’t guarantee a doctor on every trek, but we do try to encourage suitably experienced medical personnel to join our high altitude treks by offering a discount in return for looking after the medical needs of a group. In addition to trek doctors, our group leaders are trained in first aid.

Could you tell me how much money do I need? This is bit of difficult to explain to you without knowing your proper holiday plan. But you can make always easy with explaining about your interest- that you like to do tour, trekking, rafting, wildlife safari, shopping etc. or with explaining about the categories of hotel that you’re going to accommodate and nature of tour you’re going to do, and total days for HIMALAYAS. We will tell you want cost for what! Then you will know the how much money should have to bring with you! Be sure while you’re in trekking or in tour- we have a safe in our office where plane tickets and money can be kept and other stuffs on our store.

What sort of experience do your guides have? Himalayan Fantasy has some of the most dependable and experienced guides in Sikkim, Nepal, Bhutan and Darjeeling. All of our guides have spent years exploring the mountains and countryside of Our Himalayas. All guides speak English and have a deep knowledge of the various trekking routes. Our guides are trained in first aid and know how to react in any situation. And most importantly our guides are friendly and enjoyable and want to share with you the true beauty of Our Himalayas.

What would be when I am single or with my family? On your interest, we do the both single guided trek/ tour and group tour. If you are alone and willing join with other people, this is always possible. On your request we will give all the details of the member and size of the groups that you’re joining. People traveling with us may be of any nationality, either sex, alone or accompanied, experienced travelers or complete beginners. Groups are always small (in general 10 or less). English is the common language, and there can be a wide age-range. We apply no upper age limit, though we ask those over 70 for their doctor’s confirmation of their fitness to participate. Generally speaking, we regard our trips as being for adults: unaccompanied minors are not accepted, but of course we will accept accompanied minors. Our family Trek is designed to accommodate younger children.

Will we have private rooms and bathrooms? Private rooms are available in most tea houses except for those at very high altitudes in Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan, Darjeeling, toilet tents will be used. Most bathrooms are shared. On our lodge treks we also provide someone to clean all bathroom facilities for our groups. Our lodge treks also include bed and pillow covers.

How difficult is the trek? We can absolutely assure you that you do not have to be young, very experienced, or super fit to enjoy most of our treks. Our trekkers range from 17 to 70. Previous walking experience, though useful, is not essential: the great majority of our treks could be undertaken by anyone who is in good health, enjoys outdoor life, and is reasonably fit. Many of our guests casually participate in a sport such as swimming, cycling, tennis or golf.

What we do every day in trekking? A trek day begins around 6 a.m. with a mug of coffee or tea served through your tent flap. Hot water is provided for washing and shaving, followed by breakfast. Water is provided for your water containers. We strike camp and begin walking in the pleasant cool of the morning for 3-4 hours before stopping for lunch. This two-hour break offers an opportunity to write in your diary, read and relax. The full meal typically includes fresh fruit, tinned meat, cheese, rice chapatis or biscuits, cooked vegetables, and tea or coffee. We usually reach our campsite by 4 p.m. and have tea and biscuits shortly afterwards. There is time to rest or explore before our evening meal at 6 p.m. This is the social event of the day. It begins with an appetizer and soup, followed by the main course and dessert with tea or coffee. The variety and quality of our “camp” food will delight you. Guests keep threatening to take our cooks home with them! As we mainly camp near villages, there is usually plenty of time to visit with the locals before or after dinner and sample their home brews. As night approaches, most people retire to their warm sleeping bags and are fast asleep by 9:30 p.m.

Environmental awareness? Our approach is to raise environmental awareness in visitors to Our Himalayas. We also give information to our valuable customers on how to minimize the negative effects that their ignorance may have on Our Himalayas. We guide and help them how to trek gently and to support positive effects at culture and environmental conservation. We are also trying to protect the fragile environment and indigenous cultures of the Himalayas. We cook food by kerosene stoves, suggest you to stay in lodges that use kerosene or fuel efficient stoves/LPG’s and advise you to take hot showers when the water is heated with solar energy or hydroelectricity or black coal stove etc. We always take one extra porter to carry and manage all the garbage that our groups make in their campsite. Yearly we invest 20% of our net profit for above purpose and further more social work in the different approach of Our Himalayas. We always hearty welcome and enchant your comments and suggestions for a better way to serve our customers, environment and nature.

Why should I travel with Himalayan Fantasy and Treks? There are many reasons. In a nutshell, we go out of our way to make sure your experience is a positive one, there will be no negative impact on the region we are visiting: after all, we live here. We give you more for your money than anyone else. And our safety record is unsurpassed. We also provide warm clothes, good walking shoes and other necessary trekking equipment for our Guide and Porters. They will get good accommodations along the way and food same as you are having on the way. All our trekking staffs are insured.

Reduced urine output These symptoms are to be taken very seriously. In case of appearance of any of the above symptoms any further ascent should be reconsidered; otherwise more serious, even life-threatening problems can occur. The only cure for Altitude Sickness is to descend to lower elevations immediately. Acclimatization by ascending to no more than 300 to 500 meters per day above 3000 meters, and the proper amount of rest and re hydration are the best methods for prevention of AMS. If you follow the simple advice of our trained guides, you won’t have to worry about complications from mountain sickness. We design our tours to ensure clients are ready for high altitude, and arrange alternative itineraries for those at risk.